Should Athletes Be Paid?

Proponents of a pay-for-play policy advocate that players are entitled to some compensation because of the revenue they bring in and the risk of injury they face. Opponents argue that the financial burden would be overwhelming, since most athletic departments do not make a profit.

Additionally, proponents of compensation for athletes argue that an income helps alleviate the economic hardships of athletes who come from poor backgrounds. It may prevent athletes from entering professional drafts and leaving the talent pool. On the other hand, opponents argue that compensation would limit revenue sharing between college-level sports, and that some programs would be forced to shut down.